An Effective Learning Environment- A Closer Look

Abstract

An effective learning environment of the students must supports and promotes their active learning and development. Students require space, indoors and outdoors, where they can be active or quiet and where they can think, dream and watch others.  The space needs to be appropriate for the age and development of all the students so that they can have suitable access to it and can interact within it. The space needs to be secure, appropriately heated and aired and free from hazards. There need to be well-organised areas and resources, both natural and manufactured, which are accessible to the students.

There should be opportunities for a range of activities such as soft play, paint mixing, growing plants, mark-making, looking at books, reading stories, or exploring the properties of materials such as clay, sand or water. The space both indoors and outdoors should preferably be available all the time so students can choose activities and follow their interests. The outdoor space needs to offer shade and shelter, and students should have opportunities to experience changing seasons and the passing of time. In deciding what an ‘appropriate environment’ is it is important to understand the way students learn and to provide for the age and stage of the students concerned. There is no ideal environment as students interests change, and the environment should change in response to these changing interests.